For What Are You Preparing?

[Mainsail]

For What Are You Preparing?

I often read, in several gun forums, different strategies, tactics, and gear load-outs that people suggest. This has left me wondering; for what are we preparing? Numerous extra magazines, tactical flashlights, knives, back-up guns, pocket tools, even handcuffs. How does one keep their pants up? How does one run with that much weight on their belt? What is the threat?

I have to accept that is impossible for me to go about my daily life fully prepared for any possible contingency that might occur. To believe otherwise would mean driving an armored car, wearing full body armor, and a toting backpack full of survival gear. So I must accept that to be prepared for a violent crime I must compromise between the two extremes; carrying nothing and carrying everything. There seems to be differing opinions on where the line of compromise should rest on that scale.

For example, I’m going to run to the grocery store, then the home center store, and then stop for a coffee; some average errands one might do on a weekend or after work. What is the threat to me on such a day; organized and heavily armed terrorists, or some drug whacked 15 to 30 year old armed with a knife or gun?

Bearing in mind that almost all the “armed citizen” stories in the NRA magazines or elsewhere are resolved with one or two shots fired by people who have little or no training, from small caliber handguns or shotguns, do I really need to walk out my front doors with a batman belt as though I’m running my errands in downtown Kandahar?

The needs of a police officer and the needs of the average citizen are completely different. The police officer must be prepared for offensive action as well as defensive, not only for himself but for the public at large. Yet I often read forum posts where people make equipment suggestions to people who are not police officers as though they were.

On the other hand, the average citizen like me need only prepare for defensive self protection. Yet I often read (and there’s a new “equipment” thread almost every week) people recommending what seems to me a ridiculous gear load-out for the average person. The only sort-of offensive action I can envision is a mall type mass-shooting where one might desire to actively engage the shooter (say he’s between you and your wife or child, or you don’t know where in the mall your wife or child is). But even then, what does a tactical flashlight do for me, or a knife, or a pocket tool?

What sort of violent crime scenario do you envision when you’re just engaging in your daily life- or- how do you build your personal safety plan, and using what third-person experiences?

So my question is; for what are you preparing, and how have you equipped yourself for the threat?

 

[texas bulldog]

i'm with you in theory, mainsail.

however, as someone who carries a knife and leatherman everyday, let me just say that i use at least one, if not both, everyday for any number of mundane tasks. they come in handy especially at my job, but also for really simple daily tasks like cutting boxes or tags or making makeshift repairs to everyday items.

in that regard, i would suggest that my leatherman and knife are actually far more useful than the gun (and they're also more likely to be on my person 24/7). in fact, the item i carry that i use the most is a pen. i'm never without one if i can help it, and it's always the same brand/model. in fact, on the rare occasion that i manage to misplace it, i get really annoyed at its absence.

i do not consider myself a mall ninja, nor do i think having a knife and multi-tool is akin to wearing a batman belt. but i would suggest to you that these items have far more real-world use than a CCW. since i've never used my CCW and i use my knife just about every single day and the multi-tool at least a couple times a week, you tell me which is the more practical thing to carry...


(i do not carry a flashlight, BTW)

 

[Mainsail]

however, as someone who carries a knife and leatherman everyday, let me just say that i use at least one, if not both, everyday for any number of mundane tasks. they come in handy especially at my job, but also for really simple daily tasks like cutting boxes or tags or making makeshift repairs to everyday items.

Excellent points! I fully agree with you, I haven't been without a knife of some sort since Aircrew Survival course. In that regard it's not part of the whole 'batman belt' thing.

 

[gossamer]

Golf pencil, small notebook, iPhone, p220, pocket knife, wits. If i can't deal with it with those then it is what it is.

This prepares me for what Im most likely to deal with if my brain stops working - a random hassle that could get ugly.

 

[CoRoMo]

• How does one keep their pants up? Seriously? A nice belt, that's how.
• How does one run with that much weight on their belt? What am I running for? Why would I want to run? I prefer sitting, and the only things on my belt are my pistol, a Leatherman and my phone. Is that much weight?
• What is the threat? I don't see a threat, hopefully my day stays this way.
• What is the threat to me on such a day... How could I possibly know that? All I could do is toss out random guesses because I know nothing of your community or your surroundings.
• ...do I really need to walk out my front doors with a batman belt... I don't know, do you? I know I don't, but maybe you do. Maybe some people feel they need to. I'm okay with that.
• But even then, what does a tactical flashlight do for me, or a knife, or a pocket tool? For you? I don't know, maybe it would fulfill a purpose when it is needed? I know that I use my flashlight pretty much everyday, but I don't know if it is tactical, I just know it is handy. The multi-tool at least once or twice a week, sometimes more often. I use my pocket knife pretty much daily as well.
• ...for what are you preparing, I guess I'm preparing for the worst that my day could bring me. So far, so good.
• ...and how have you equipped yourself... Trial and error I guess. Call me Batman.

 

[texas bulldog]

Golf pencil, small notebook, iPhone, p220, pocket knife, wits.

that last one is clearly the most important. without that, there isn't a tool in the world that'll save you.

 

[texas bulldog]

I know that I use my flashlight pretty much everyday

can i ask an honest question, CoRoMo? what are these daily flashlight uses? i know lots of guys swear by carrying a flashlight, and i'm sure there are good reasons. frankly, my pockets are pretty well spoken for as-is, so i don't see me adding anything anyway. but i honestly don't see the need on the flashlight; it just doesn't come up for me. not doubting you at all, i just have an honest curiosity about what sorts of things come up daily that the flashlight helps with. can you enlighten me?

 

[highorder]

can i ask an honest question, CoRoMo? what are these daily flashlight uses? i know lots of guys swear by carrying a flashlight, and i'm sure there are good reasons. frankly, my pockets are pretty well spoken for as-is, so i don't see me adding anything anyway. but i honestly don't see the need on the flashlight; it just doesn't come up for me. not doubting you at all, i just have an honest curiosity about what sorts of things come up daily that the flashlight helps with. can you enlighten me?

People ask me the same thing. New flashlight people often wonder aloud how they got by without one! They list as their uses:

• Locating light switches in unfamiliar places, like guest bathrooms
• Directing attention
• Discouraging street people that get too close
• Avoiding doggie landmines
• Getting a better look at writing, small items, etc.
• Illuminating anything after dark (75% of 24 hours these days)

 

[CoRoMo]

can you enlighten me?

Sure. Happy to help.

For one, I leave the house in the dark every morning. After my shower, I'll creep back into the master bedroom to get a shirt. My light helps me navigate the toys that my 2yr old might have left on the floor, keeps my toes from getting jammed into the oak furniture, and it keeps the wife from waking. I guess I could just throw on the light, but that'd be rude. Or slowly feel my way around in the dark, but the light makes things so much easier and quicker.

That's one daily use.

But then I leave the house and go to work... in the dark. When I open up my business, it is still dark out, and inside too. The warehouse is dark, and I've got to walk a short ways until I get to the light switch. My flashlight keeps me from stumbling over something that my employees left out in the open.

That's another.

And of course there are tons of unexpected uses. Sometimes I'm digging around in a parts bin at work. Dang it if they don't put a little light in each of those parts bins, but they don't. And then there are those corners of my warehouse that just don't get any good light anyways. There are tons of unexpected uses that I've encountered over the years, and in my line of work, you just never know when your gonna have to go looking around in a dark spot.

I've tried it without the light, but I encountered error too often. Then I got a little "tactical" flashlight (if it's tactical, I'm Batman), and like highorder mentioned, I don't know how I got by without one. Slowly I guess.

 

[Webbj0219]

For me, since its wintertime i can carry more. I wear a winter jacket whenever I go out. So what I'm willing to carry now verses when it's 90 degrees out varies alot. Now I carry a 642 on an outside waist band belt holster, under my shirt(gives me quick access). My cell phone. my keys. swiss army knife, used for cutting chores. I never use my self defense blade for regular cutting, I want to make sure the blade stays razor sharp. If im going somewhere where I cant bring a gun, I take a 4" assisted blade that clips in my pocket. But I leave thae knife behind if I have the gun. in my jacket pocket I take some bandaids, alchohol pads and gauze pads. Also carry a mini maglight on my belt. But the lights not working now, gotta figure out whats up or maybe in the market for a new light.

This is winter carry, by the way. When summertime rolls around, and I'm in shorts and a t-shirt. Im not sure what I'll carry. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. But this time Of year I can carry this stuff w/out any limited mobility.

 

[Webbj0219]

Oh yeah, speaking of flashlights. When I was working as a mechanic, having a mag light on my belt was the handiest thing. I know they provided a pulldown light on a chord, but that was just kinda bulky for most instances. It was also quicker just to whip out that lil flashlight, say if I needed to line up a bolt hole or check the wiring under the dash real quick. I used thast light so much I went through new batteries about once a week.

 

[fastbolt]

I used to shake my head at the recommendations offered by what seemed to be 'gear junkies' or folks thinking they were going to find themselves caught up in the chaotic scenes of some action movie.

Nowadays I pretty much just ignore such topics, whether in real life or found among internet firearms forums, and let folks fantasize however they may be inclined.

This thread caught my attention for its introduction narrative, though.

I spent a career in LE. I started when the revolver was still pretty much a common service weapon and most cops carried an extra 12 rounds on their belt, and I knew a fair number of guys who still carried them in belt loops. I was issued a double dump pouch (6 rounds per pouch), but opted to buy a double speedloader pouch on my own dime. We also called 'duty belts' gun belts back then, too.

I retired about the time nylon & plastic gear was becoming prominent and tactical suspenders were becoming increasingly common. I watched folks unable to find spare magazines when shooting qualification courses because they were pretty much hidden among the wealth of equipment tightly stuffed onto their belt (nd apparently not something they thought they needed to find in a hurry, perhaps).

When I worked a plainclothes assignment for several years prior to my retirement I carried on my person, based on several years experience and training, what I anticipated I might need to handle my daily caseload activities. Sure, I carried other additional equipment at hand in my car in case I had to respond to something.

I also remember being a young cop and first finding myself authorized to carry an off-duty weapon in anticipation of invoking my full-time authority and possibly responding to a perceived need involving an immediate threat to public (or my own) safety. Big guns, lots of ammunition, etc. That palled as time passed and I gained some experience ...

Toward the end of my career I found myself commonly carrying a J-frame .38 most of the time when off the clock. Sure, I still occasionally carried a larger off-duty weapon, usually a 9mm compact/subcompact, or occasionally a similarly small .40 S&W, or less often a small .45 (I carried an issued compact .45 on-duty toward the end of my career, BTW.)

Not much changed upon my retirement. Most of the time I carry one or another J-frame, along with 2-3 speedloaders or speedstrips (depending on what I'm wearing). Sometimes a larger pistol and 1-2 spare magazines. Just depends on my activities and where I'm going to be engaging in them.

Naturally, I find the 2-3 folding knives of various types I carry more useful during the course of any given day's activities, as well as my cigar cutters, punches and torch lighters. A small light, too.

Granted, I still engage in some consulting and helping out with training, and sometimes that involves needing a larger weapon, as may be appropriate for the circumstances. Also, frankly, attending some various update classes and training for terrorism and drug/gang/border violence can make me carry larger weapons upon occasion after finishing the classes, but then I remember that I'm not out there on the 'front lines' anymore, so to speak, either. The J-frames and occasionally a smaller pistol suit my current retirement needs and activities just fine, I'd think.

It annoys me when I forget to pocket my cigar cutter, punch and lighter, though.

If other folks want to legally walk around burdened with more gear and equipment than I used to carry as a working cop, that's not my business.

Hopefully they'll never have cause to realize that all the equipment in the world may not be sufficient to offset a lack in knowledge, skills, experience and common sense. Some professional level training can be pretty helpful, too.

After all, there's arguably a difference between just carrying around a ton of gear on your person ... and being knowledgeable and experienced in knowing how - AND when - to use it effectively and legally.

I like not having so much weight hanging from my waist nowadays, or having a gun digging into my side when trying to relax into a leather chair at a cigar lounge. Nice thing about an Airweight in a pocket holster.

Just my thoughts, though. I generally don't get involved in trying to convince other folks of how they ought to do things.

 

[zombieoutfitters]

Mainly I prepare my home for general civilian home defense needs. An oddly unexpected riot. Sustained power outage where I may need to defend myself and/or others. B&E's. At the "camp" we prepare less for urban considerations and more for wildlife and general home defense for B&E or belligerent trespass / theft.

The rest...all the tactical gear, knives, packs, slings, boxes, reloading supplies. Glorified hobby with a useful purpose that builds practical life skill.

The way I look at it, I can try to be prepared for anything. But it's impossible. Even if you knew someone was IN YOUR HOUSE trying to get you, and you had everything you needed...you would still have no way to prepare for the moment of encounter / struggle. You just don't know what they will do so how can you plan to react?

I can only prepare myself physically, and as much as possible mentally and try to have some fun doing it while I learn new things and gain new skills.

Daily gear: Keys to all owned property that is locked (in case I find myself suddenly displaced), Flashdrive, Lighter (in every jacket and vehicle I own), Knife (also in every vehicle), Chapstick (don't ask), Wallet, PPS or MP9C. In the winter add: Gloves, skullcap.

 

[CoRoMo]

I just realized that I don't ever keep anything in my right front pocket or my left back pocket. Maybe I should get a backup flashlight! Or maybe I could put three or four spare mags in there.

 

[leadcounsel]

Victims never wake up that day and say, "I think I'd like to be robbed, kidnapped, raped, beaten, or murdered today." Rarely do people try to put themselves in bad situations; they are just in the wrong place at the wrong time going about their lives when trouble finds them. Maybe home; maybe work, maybe running errands, maybe anywhere...

It's NOT the odds, it's what's at stake. If you value your life and self defense so little that you cannot be disciplined enough to learn to carry and shoot a 2 pound item that is probably one of the most important inventions in mankind's history, that costs so relatively little to own and operate, then that's your cross to bear.

Many people are ignorant to the fact that we live in potentially very violent times where vicious people, with horrific motives, will kill you for trivial reasons - drugs, gangs, theft, carjackings, terrorism, you name it.

Of course your best weapon is to avoid these situations or leave bad situations, but that's not always possible. A simple act of going into any convenience store puts you at risk because they are freqently robbed at gunpoint or knife point. Fast food restaurants have been the scene of execution style murders, and highschools, shopping malls, and churches are also 'safe' areas that have been targeted in the past.

Victims never think it'll happen to them.

 

[44Dave]

I carry a (1) AA flashlight. It's useful when things are dark or dim. Sometimes I need to throw a little more light so I can make out details on items I'm examining. Oddly, the power (and lights) go out at work regularly enough for me to be glad to have a light on my person.
4D Maglite with LED conversion in the vehicle.

 

[Yo Mama]

I echo all the comments that generally show use of said instruments and tools. Basically every day we use these items, it's part of being a man (not to be sexist), but was how I was raised. You have a knife on you to cut, anything, you have a light to see anywhere, you have a pack in the car to survive a few days if needed, and you have a gun to protect yourself. It's part of protecting myself, and my family.

Weight? I've learned to love the sore hip, and know it's well earned.

 

[Oyeboten]

Boyscout Motto -


"Be Prepared"


In forty years or so of owning Cars and Trucks, I have consistently carried various emergency supplies.

Flares, Cord/Rope, First Aid things, Handgun, Fire Extinguisher, Gallon of Water, Extra Gasolene, Flashlight, etc.


In all these years the only things ever to be used, are...

Flashlight, quite a few times for various things, including to read Street Signs in unlit areas at night.

Providing Gasoline maybe three times, to people who had ran out.

Providing Water maybe two times, for someone's Radiator when they had a leak or were low.

Using Fire Extinguisher on three occasions, all prior to 1971, for other people's Engine fires.


That's it...


None the less...I enjoy having useful items tucked away, so if needed, they will be there.

 

[fastbolt]

Another thought that occurs to me ...

Over time I've sometimes noticed a trend which is a bit dismaying, among both LE and private citizens (CCW licensees), which is that a number of them have seemed to place more emphasis on the carrying of guns and spare ammunition than on the training and frequent practice needed to develop and maintain useful and effective skills.

Granted, awareness, common sense and knowledge are very important. Shooting is generally considered a perishable physical skill, however, and some effort toward maintaining acquired skills and abilities would seem both reasonable and prudent.

"Disciplined enough to carry and shoot". A good comment. If I understand the intention of the 'and shoot' part, it would seem to imply a 2-pronged commitment. Not only being willing to lawfully carry a dedicated defensive weapon, but being committed to investing the necessary time to developing AND maintaining the requisite skills.

I've met at least my fair share of both LE & private CCW folks who would only practice when absolutely required to do so, let alone seemed interested in seeking additional training.

I'd offer that preparation probably shouldn't stop at the simple willingness to obtain and carry the equipment.

Although retired, I continue to train & practice. Perhaps more than I might do once I completely stop helping out with training other folks, since that allows me a lot of extra range time I might not engage in once I stop involving myself as a trainer. Even then, however, I plan to invest enough time to keep the rust from excessively dulling the skills I've spent years in acquiring. Just in case ...

 

[Cosmoline]

I try to be a good Boy Scout and be prepared. Many of my "tactical" purchases are based on things I've run into or seen. I keep tools on me to fix my bike, electrical tape because I always seem to have need of it, a small knife for opening and cutting, a little can opener because I was so frequently hunting for one, and a firearm in case I need that. I recently picked up a steel tactical pen for breaking auto glass because I've been near some bad accidents and can see a need to bust a windshield to get someone out in a hurry. I also keep extra pens, waterproof notepad, monocular, windproof lighter, digital camera, para. cord, etc. I use all these things. I've also taken the time to outfit a practical first aid kit designed to stop serious bleeding. I hope I don't have to use it, but I've seen some really close calls and been in a few too. One where a kid was pinned perfectly under the front axle of a huge SUV, got him out and he was fine other than some scratches. Obviously there's not much I can do about the internal injuries someone might have, but I can at least try to stop someone from bleeding to death in front of me.

That said, I do think many people overdo the firearm aspect and under-prepare on other things. Worry more about your stockpile of potable water than your ammo count. Given the likely response time if we have another nine pointer here, I try to have enough fuel, water and food on hand to last two weeks off grid.

what are these daily flashlight uses? i know lots of guys swear by carrying a flashlight

To see better when there is no sun above. For example, I wake up check the weather, put on my fleece gear, backpack and side pack. I have a helmet-mounted light made for mushers that throws a great beam. I have one on the front bar of my bike that also throws a great beam, then I have two flashing red rear lights. I also have a tactical light, which is particularly useful when I'm not outfitted with the riding lights. I've never felt like I have too many lights.

Even if you knew someone was IN YOUR HOUSE trying to get you, and you had everything you needed...you would still have no way to prepare for the moment of encounter / struggle. You just don't know what they will do so how can you plan to react?

My Plan A is to point a rifle at them. The rest is pretty much up to them.

 

[Bobarino]

there are a few scenarios that i prepare for.

first and foremost is to protect my life and the lives of the loved ones. nothing else matters if i'm dead. so i carry, train and practice.

living in the same part of the world as Mainsail, i also prepare for

flooding

power outages

being snowed in (not necessarily at home so during big snow storms i keep a 3 day pack in my Jeep)

volcanic eruptions

Earthquakes

windstorms that knock out power for days.

all of which have happened around here in my lifetime.

basically; shelter, heat, water, food, sanitation.

i don't sport the batman belt. i carry my pistol, a spare mag and a folding knife in my back pocket. i'd be far more upset if i forgot my chapstick at home than my spare magazine. i do keep a first aid kit, multi-tool, fire extinguisher, jumper cables and a flashlight in the Jeep.

most of the stuff i prepare for has nothing to do with guns. i don't keep tons of ammo on hand, but enough to defend my self/home. i have plenty of food, water etc though. i'm far more likely to have to survive alone for several days than i am to have to defend myself against the roving zombie hordes.

 

[Legionnaire]

I carry a small flashlight (a Photon Micro) and a "screwdriver" (a thin, inch-and-a-half long blade of metal) on my keychain. They add no bulk to speak of, and get used regularly. Lots of things need illumination. From moving through the house late at night without having to turn lights on and off again, to checking out the bore on a used firearm at the gun shop. Yes, I carry a small pocket knife, too, but I'd rather not use it as a screwdriver. You don't need a lot of "stuff" if you have your wits and can make use of "expedient" tools that are always with you, such as your belt, shoe-laces, stick pen, etc.

By the way, a great read on "wits" is Amanda Ripley's The Unthinkable: Who Survives when Disaster Strikes - and Why.

 

[Bliggida]

I don't envision a state or country wide pandemic actually happening.
For that matter, I realize a shooting is a slim chance.
A) I pay attention and B) the sheer odds.

I realize I am much more likely to be stuck by lighting or eaten by sharks than I am to actually need a bug out setup or need a firearm.

However, for those reasons, I don't stand in open fields during thunderstorms, nor do I surf while bleeding. Likewise, leaving some extra stuff in the car doesn't seem to be that big a deal.

I would like to believe that any who carries has some informed notion to be prepared and plays the 'what if' game - to their personal extent.

I've heard of folks out there who like to carry a infantry ruck-sack while tooling around Wal-Mart. But I've yet to see it, and I would genuinely question if they are a few grapes short of a fruit basket.

 

[xXxplosive]

Trouble Doesn't Make An Appointment.........................

 

[mljdeckard]

A flashlight and a knife are critical if you carry.

Most defensive shootings take place in the dark, one flavor or another. I also think that night sights are mandatory, but night sights only help you aim, they don't help you identify the target. If you have a good flashlight you can illuminate the target, identify them, give a background for the outline of your sights, (whether they are night sights or not,) and BLIND the target. Flashlights have come a long way in the last ten years. You can gat the basic, plastic models of flashlight for $35. I will go so far as to say a flashlight is much more likely to be used than a third magazine.

A knife is a big part of firearm retention. (Everyone who carries should get some firearm retention training.) If your strong hand is pushing back an attacker and/or protecting the holstered pistol, the weak hand can draw the knife and act to stop the threat. After reading "The Book of Two Guns" by Tiger McKee, I recently switched my knife to my weak side pocket. Your strong hand can still get it, and it's easier for the weak hand to get it in an emergency.

I'm in the habit of always carrying a multi-tool anyway. There are all kinds of things you realize you can use it for that you never thought of when you didn't have it.

It is illegal to carry handcuffs here. Carrying or displaying handcuffs is considered impersonating a police officer in this state.

I have different levels of gear on my person, in my vehicle, and in my home. I do carry a long gun in my vehicle when I can, however, right now my work involves a lot of entering and leaving military posts, which limits what I can keep on my person and in my vehicle. I also keep a hi-lift jack, basic tools, a couple of MREs, a can of baby formula, water, jumper cables, and a blanket in my truck.

The bottom line is, you don't know what will happen or WHEN it will happen. You have to decide how far you want to go, but saying that loading yourself down with stuff is silly because these bad things may not happen is just as disingenuous as saying that it's stupid to carry a gun because the odds of you being attacked are so small in the first place.